It's been one week since I held her hand—for real.
One week since the final test.
Since Reina stood down.
Since the others walked away.
It should've felt like peace.
It didn't.
---
At School – New Title: "That Guy"
The hallway whispers didn't stop.
They just changed.
> "That's the guy who picked Riko."
"Didn't the other girls all confess too?"
"Must be nice having four girls fight over you."
Every stare. Every smirk.
Felt like someone pressing rewind on my worst moments.
I wasn't the "undecided guy" anymore.
I was the guy who chose.
Which meant now I had to prove I was worth it.
---
At Lunch – Holding Hands Isn't Cute When People Stare
I sat with Riko under the tree.
She leaned against me.
It felt right.
It also felt… observed.
Yuna passed by and whistled.
> "Look at you two. Domestic already?"
I blushed. Riko didn't.
She looked up.
> "You okay?"
I nodded.
Lied.
> "Yeah."
---
After School – The Parent Text
As if things weren't bad enough…
My mom texted me.
> "Heard from the school counselor you're dating now.
Would love to meet her. Invite her to dinner Saturday night."
I dropped my phone.
Riko saw.
> "Everything okay?"
"…My mom wants to meet you."
She blinked.
Then smiled.
> "Okay."
I blinked.
> "Wait, really?"
> "What? You think I'm scared of your mom?"
> "Honestly? Yes."
She laughed.
It was the first time I saw her really laugh since the test.
---
Meanwhile – Reina's New Plan (Because of Course)
Back in the council room, Reina sipped tea.
Read a text from Yuna.
> "You said he passed the test.
But what if love doesn't stay passed forever?"
Reina smiled.
Opened her notebook.
Wrote two words:
> "Endgame Challenge."
---
Back at the Park – Just Us
That night, Riko and I walked home together.
No drama.
No words for a while.
Then I said—
> "I think I'm still learning how to be someone who deserves you."
She squeezed my hand.
> "Good. Because I'm still learning how to believe I deserve you too."
We stopped under the streetlight.
Just stood there.
In the quiet.
And for once?
That was enough.